This isn't an electric car, it's an electric car that happens to be interesting. I mean, with a performance like that, you can tell that they're being serious. It carries a hefty price tag, but the drive-cost will certainly pay off for that.

0-62mph in 3.7 seconds feels like what you get on the California Screamin' roller coaster at Disney's California Adventure amusement park - it uses linear motors to accelerate the coaster from a stand still.

Leave LOTS of room at the stop lights to test this out.

.76G acceleration. Hmmmm. If they tweak the performance even more, and we get REALLY grippy tires...

That's partly a result of the liberal use of carbon fiber composites for in car's body. The vehicle's curb weight is just 2,400 pounds.

@Charles, thanks for the update. Usage carbon fiber composite is a very good idea because its light weight and strong but I am more worried about the stability of the car. Since the curb weight is just 2,400 pounts what about stability of the car when it is running at the top speed ?

Great performance for an electric car. We know they are quite capable of large bursts of speed, and enough heat to melt the ice on the windscreen. I think a radio controlled version might be fun. But at that price, would not want my kids playing with it...

You've asked some tough questions here, Rob, and I think most of them can only be answered with time. Regarding your first question: Tesla originally entered with a single offering -- the Tesla Roadster -- and they appear to be making the business work right now. Admittedly, though, Tesla initially struggled and there are never guarantees that a company like this one will be able to survive those first few difficult years. Regarding CAFE: We don't know the fuel efficiency numbers, but I can't imagine there will be a problem here. They're now getting 180 miles out of a 37-kWh battery, which bodes well for their EPA numbers.

Chuck, this seems like an weird bird to me. Can a car company enter the auto market successfully with a single offering? Is exclusivity sufficient to interest enough buyers. Can the company be trusted to service the vehicle over its lifespan?

Also, I can't imagine this car all by itself -- a high-performance car -- would be able to manage the upcoming CAFE standards.

Cap'n, now that's a nice car. My understanding is that it is basically an electric version of the Lotus Elise (which makes sense considering who the head of the company is). This continues a long tradition of collaboration between Detroit and England which produced cars such as the Ford GT40.

I am impressed that they can get such range out of a smaller battery pack. That is important, especially as it pertains to charging time. Tesla was originally looking at a two speed transmission, but deciede they could simplify things without it since they did not strictly need it. For sports car driving, though, it is nice to have it.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.